Solar panels that are designed to attract cats have been developed by scientists at the British Institute of Science and Social Sciences. The idea is that the cats' saliva helps keep the panel's surface clean, which in turn improves its efficiency. This unique approach has shown promising results, with a reported 5% increase in performance.
In an experiment, researchers applied a special coating with a fish scent—specifically salmon—on a small solar panel installed on a rooftop. Two cats, Lirpa and Lofo, were drawn to the smell and spent several hours on the panel's surface. Later, the team used wooden spoons to scare them away. When they analyzed the panels, they found that the areas licked by the cats were significantly cleaner than the rest, leading to better energy output.
Felix Lickspittle, the lead researcher, praised the feline contribution. "Cats have wet, rough tongues that effectively remove dirt and grime from the panel’s surface," he explained. "Additionally, the enzymes left behind help make the surface more transparent, allowing more sunlight to be captured. And since there's no food involved, it's completely safe for the cats."
The research team noted that Lofo showed great potential during the early trials involving squid-scented components.
Although the salmon-scented panels are still in the experimental phase, the team has also tested other scents like tuna, mouse, and chicken. "However, we don’t want the panels to become too 'meaty' and attract dogs," Lickspittle said. "Dogs aren't as agile as cats, and we don't want any accidents to happen."
The researchers are exploring various methods to enhance the effectiveness of their solar panels. "We tried using the sound of a baby crying, but the cats just sat there without licking the panels," Lickspittle added. "We also painted bird feathers on the surface to attract them, but the results were mixed. Lirpa approached cautiously, while Lofo just sat nearby and occasionally pawed at the panel."
Based on these findings, the team believes they may need a new cat to test further improvements. For now, this unusual method shows how nature can inspire innovative solutions in renewable energy.
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